Glossary of Key Words

Sai Baba=Sai=Baba

Shirdi: The town where Sai Baba lived and taught, now a major pilgrimage site in India

• Agnihotri: A Brahmin who maintains a sacred fire.
• Ahamkara: Egoism; the sense of “I-ness.”
• Ajnana: Ignorance; lack of true knowledge.
• Akshata: Unbroken rice grains, often mixed with turmeric or kumkum, used in Hindu rituals.
• Allah Malik: Arabic phrase meaning “God is Lord” or “God is the sole owner,” frequently uttered by Sai Baba.
• Ambil: A traditional Indian dish, often made from boiled jowar (sorghum) flour mixed with buttermilk.
• Amra-Leela: Literally “mango miracle,” referring to an incident involving mangoes and Sai Baba’s blessing for progeny.
• Aniyat Guru: An unappointed or general Guru, who develops good qualities and purifies the heart.
• Anna-dana: The act of giving food as charity.
• Antarang: The inner self or heart.
• Arati: A Hindu religious ritual of worship, a part of Puja, in which light from wicks soaked in ghee or camphor is offered to one or more deities.
• Argha: Water or other offerings poured over an idol or deity during worship.
• Asan: A yogic posture or seat.
• Ashram: A spiritual hermitage or monastery.
• Ashwattha (Banyan) tree: A sacred fig tree, often symbolizing the universe in Hindu philosophy.
• Atithi: An uninvited guest.
• Atmanivedana: Complete surrender of the self, one of the nine forms of Bhakti.
• Atmaram: The indwelling Self, or the Dear Self.
• Aum/Om: A sacred sound and a spiritual symbol in Hinduism, representing the essence of the ultimate reality, consciousness, or Brahman.
• Avali/Avalia: A great Muslim saint.
• Ayurvedic: Related to Ayurveda, a traditional Indian system of medicine.
• Baba: A respectful term for an elderly man, often used for saints or spiritual figures.
• Bhagat: A devotee.
• Bhagavan: God or Lord.
• Bhagavad Gita: A Hindu scripture, part of the Mahabharata, presenting a dialogue between Lord Krishna and Arjuna on dharma, yoga, and liberation.
• Bhajan: Devotional singing or chanting.
• Bhakta: A devotee.
• Bhakti: Devotion, especially to a deity or Guru.
• Bhakti Yoga: The path of devotion as a means to attain spiritual liberation.
• Bhawartha Deepika (Jnaneshwari): A Marathi commentary on the Bhagavad Gita by Saint Jnaneshwar.
• Bhawartha Ramayana: A Marathi commentary on the Ramayana by Saint Ekanath.
• Brahma: The Hindu deity of creation, part of the Trimurti. Also, sometimes used interchangeably with Brahman.
• Brahma-Jnana: Knowledge of Brahman; Self-realization.
• Brahman: The ultimate reality, the supreme cosmic spirit in Hinduism.
• Brahmacharya: Celibacy or self-restraint, especially in the context of spiritual discipline.
• Brahmin: The highest of the four Hindu varnas (social classes), traditionally priests and scholars.
• Bubos: Swollen lymph nodes, characteristic of bubonic plague.
• Chandan: Sandalwood paste, used in worship.
• Chandorkar (Nanasaheb Chandorkar): A prominent devotee of Sai Baba, often used to refer to him specifically.
• Chatak: A mythical bird believed to drink only rainwater.
• Chavadi: A public place or building, often used for village meetings or as a resting place. Baba often slept there on alternate nights.
• Chillum (Chilim): A traditional clay pipe used for smoking tobacco or other substances, often shared in spiritual gatherings.
• Chiplis: A pair of small wooden clappers, used as a musical instrument in devotional singing.
• Chitamani jewel: A mythical wish-fulfilling jewel.
• Dakshina: An offering, typically monetary, given to a Guru or priest as a token of respect or gratitude.
• Dal: Lentil or split peas.
• Darbar: A court or assembly, often referring to the presence of a revered person.
• Darshan: The act of seeing or beholding a deity or a holy person, considered auspicious.
• Dasya: Service, one of the nine forms of Bhakti.
• Dattatreya: A Hindu deity, a composite of the Trimurti (Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva), often considered a Sadguru. Sai Baba is referred to as an incarnation of Dattatreya.
• Deva: God.
• Dharma: Righteous conduct, moral duty, or universal law.
• Dharana: Concentration, a stage in Yoga.
• Dhauti: A yogic cleansing practice, typically involving swallowing a long strip of cloth to cleanse the digestive tract.
• Dhotar (Dhoti): A traditional Indian garment worn by men, wrapped around the waist and legs.
• Dhuni: A sacred, ever-burning fire maintained by Sai Baba in his Masjid, from which Udi (ash) was obtained.
• Dhyana: Meditation, a stage in Yoga.
• Dwadasha-Jyotirlingas: Twelve sacred shrines of Lord Shiva.
• Dwarkamai (Masjidmai): The dilapidated mosque where Sai Baba lived, which he called his “Mother.” It is revered as a holy place.
• Dwapara Age: The third of the four Yugas (ages) in Hindu cosmology, characterized by a decline in righteousness.
• Ekanath (Saint Ekanath): A prominent Marathi saint and poet (16th century).
• Fakir: A Muslim ascetic or mendicant, often implying spiritual poverty and detachment.
• Fugadi: A traditional Maharashtrian folk dance, usually performed by women.
• Gadi: A cushion or seat of honor.
• Gajjal songs: A type of light classical Indian music, often devotional.
• Ganapati (Ganesha): The elephant-headed Hindu deity, revered as the remover of obstacles.
• Ganga: The sacred Ganges River.
• Gatkas: Short sticks or cudgels.
• Gau-hatya: Cow slaughter, considered a great sin in Hinduism.
• Geru: A red ochre substance, used for dyeing clothes saffron.
• Ghee: Clarified butter, used in cooking and religious rituals.
• Ghol: A type of musical instrument, possibly a drum.
• Gokul Ashtami: The festival celebrating the birth of Lord Krishna.
• Gopal-Kala: A ceremony involving the breaking of an earthen pot containing parched rice mixed with curds, reminiscent of Lord Krishna’s childhood games.
• Gotra: A clan or lineage, especially among Brahmins.
• Gulal: Red colored powder, used during festivals.
• Gunas: The three qualities or tendencies of nature in Hindu philosophy: Sattva (goodness, purity), Rajas (passion, activity), and Tamas (ignorance, inertia).
• Guru: A spiritual teacher or guide.
• Guru-Pournima: A Hindu festival dedicated to spiritual and academic teachers, celebrated on the full moon day of the Ashadha month.
• Guru-charitra: A biographical work on the life of Dattatreya (or other Gurus).
• Haridas: A devotional singer, performing Kirtans.
• Hari: A name for Lord Vishnu or God.
• Hath-Yoga: A branch of Yoga focused on physical postures and breathing exercises.
• Hemadpant: The pen name of Govind Raghunath Dabholkar, the author of “Shri Sai Satcharitra.”
• Hundi: A traditional financial instrument or bill of exchange. In the context of the text, sometimes used metaphorically as a “death-warrant.”
• Id festivals: Muslim religious festivals.
• Inamdar: A landlord or holder of a grant of land.
• Ishtam (Ishta Devata): A beloved or chosen deity of a devotee.
• Jain: A follower of Jainism, an ancient Indian religion.
• Jamb tree: A type of berry tree.
• Jayanti: A birth anniversary celebration.
• Jiva: An individual soul or living being.
• Jnana: Knowledge, especially spiritual knowledge leading to self-realization.
• Jnanadev (Saint Jnaneshwar): A revered Marathi saint and philosopher (13th century) and author of Jnaneshwari.
• Jnaneshwari: See Bhawartha Deepika.
• Johar: A respectful salutation, particularly among lower castes to higher authorities.
• Joss-stick: An incense stick.
• Kafni: A long, loose robe worn by Sufi fakirs and ascetics, often associated with Sai Baba’s attire.
• Kala: A mixture of various foods; hodge-podge. Also, sometimes refers to “divine play.”
• Kali Age (Kali Yuga): The current and last of the four Yugas in Hindu cosmology, characterized by spiritual decline.
• Kalma: Verses from the Holy Koran, recited by Muslims.
• Kalpataru: A mythical wish-fulfilling tree in Hindu mythology.
• Kama: Desire or lust; also, one of the four goals of human life (purusharthas), referring to pleasure.
• Kamadhenu: A mythical divine cow that grants all wishes.
• Karma: Actions, deeds, and their consequences; the law of cause and effect.
• Kartal: A small hand percussion instrument, often used in Kirtan.
• Kathada: A railing or fence.
• Kayastha Prabhu: A Hindu caste group primarily found in India, historically involved in administration and writing.
• Khanda Yoga: A yogic practice where the Yogi supposedly separates limbs of their body and rejoins them.
• Khanjiri: A small tambourine-like percussion instrument.
• Kheer: A sweet rice pudding.
• Khichadi: A dish made of rice and lentils, often with vegetables and spices.
• Kirtan: Devotional singing, often narrating stories of deities or saints.
• Kolamba: An earthen pot used by Sai Baba for collecting alms.
• Konkan: A coastal strip of land in western India.
• Koran: The holy book of Islam.
• Koupin (Kaupin): A small piece of cloth worn as a loincloth by ascetics.
• Krita Age (Satya Yuga): The first and golden age in Hindu cosmology, characterized by perfect righteousness.
• Kshatriya: The second of the four Hindu varnas, traditionally warriors and rulers.
• Kulkarni: A village accountant or record keeper.
• Kumkum: A red powder used for social and religious markings in India.
• Langota (Langot): A loincloth.
• Leelas: Divine plays, miraculous acts, or sports of God or Saints.
• Lendi (Nala): A stream or rivulet near Shirdi, where Baba often went.
• Lokamanya Tilak: A prominent Indian nationalist, teacher, and independence activist.
• Mahant: A spiritual head or chief of a monastery or religious order.
• Mahapuja: A grand worship ceremony.
• Mahasamadhi: The conscious departure of a perfected yogi or saint from the body.
• Mamlatdar: A revenue officer in charge of a taluka (administrative division).
• Mandap: An open hall or pavilion.
• Mande: A type of sweet, thin Indian bread, similar to chapati.
• Mantra: A sacred utterance, word, or phrase, believed to have spiritual and psychological powers.
• Mantrashastra: The science or knowledge of mantras.
• Maruti: Another name for Lord Hanuman, the monkey deity, known for his strength and devotion.
• Masjid: Mosque, the place of worship for Muslims. Sai Baba lived in a dilapidated mosque he called Dwarkamai.
• Maya: Illusion; the cosmic power that creates the material world and prevents individuals from seeing ultimate reality.
• Mecca and Madina: Holy cities in Islam, important pilgrimage sites.
• Mela: A fair or gathering.
• Moksha: Liberation, release from the cycle of rebirth (samsara).
• Moulana: A respectful title for a learned Muslim scholar or religious leader.
• Moulvi: A Muslim scholar or religious teacher.
• Mridang: A double-headed drum, often used in Indian classical and devotional music.
• Mujavar: A caretaker or priest of a Muslim shrine.
• Muktabai (Saint Muktabai): A female Marathi saint (13th century).
• Mukti: Deliverance or liberation.
• Muni: An ascetic or sage.
• Murlidhar: Lord Krishna, depicted holding a flute (murali).
• Naivedya: Food offerings made to a deity or Guru.
• Namah Shivaya: A sacred mantra dedicated to Lord Shiva.
• Namasaptaha: Continuous chanting of God’s name, day and night, for seven days.
• Namaskar: A respectful Indian greeting or salutation, often accompanied by folded hands.
• Narayana: A name for Lord Vishnu, often symbolizing the Supreme Being.
• Nath-panthis: A Shaivite Hindu tradition.
• Nautch-girls: Traditional female dancers, often associated with entertainment in old India.
• Nirgun (Nirguna Brahman): The unmanifested, formless aspect of God or Brahman.
• Nishtha: Firm faith or conviction.
• Niyat Guru: An appointed or fixed Guru, who dispels difference and establishes unity.
• Noumenon: In philosophy, the thing-in-itself, as opposed to its appearance (phenomenon).
• Oti: The upper fold of a sari, used to carry offerings.
• Ovi metre: A traditional Marathi poetic meter.
• Pada-tirth (Padateerth): Holy water that has touched the feet of a deity or a saint, believed to have purifying properties.
• Padasevana: Resorting to the feet, one of the nine forms of Bhakti.
• Padukas: Footprints, often revered as symbols of a Guru or deity.
• Palanquin: A covered litter, carried by poles on the shoulders of several men.
• Pan-vida: A preparation of betel leaves with various ingredients (like betel nut, catechu, lime) chewed as a stimulant and digestive.
• Panatis: Small earthen lamps.
• Panch-ratni Geeta: A short version of the Bhagavad Gita or a collection of five gems (chapters) from it.
• Pancha-soon (Panchasuna): The five actions or processes involved in daily household activities that are believed to incur sin due to unintentional harm to living beings.
• Pandharpur: A major pilgrimage site in Maharashtra, India, famous for the Vithoba temple.
• Pandharinath Vithal: The presiding deity of Pandharpur.
• Pandurang: Another name for Vithal, the deity of Pandharpur.
• Para Brahma: The Supreme Brahman, ultimate reality.
• Paramartha: The ultimate goal of human life, spiritual liberation or self-realization.
• Parayana: Reading a sacred text regularly and devoutly, often within a set period.
• Peda: A type of sweet confection made from condensed milk.
• Pheta: A traditional Indian turban.
• Phenomena: Things as they appear, as opposed to their true essence.
• Pindi: An aniconic representation of Shiva, usually a cylindrical column.
• Pir Moulana: A Sufi saint and scholar.
• Pitra-Yajna: Offerings to ancestors.
• Pooran Poli: A sweet flatbread, a popular dish in Maharashtra.
• Prana: Vital life force or breath.
• Pranipata: Prostration or bowing down completely.
• Prasad: A devotional offering made to a deity or a holy person, which is then distributed to be consumed by devotees.
• Prarthana-Samajist: A member of the Prarthana Samaj, a Hindu reform movement.
• Prayag (Allahabad): A holy confluence of rivers Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati.
• Preyas: That which is pleasant or desirable, especially in a worldly sense.
• Puja: Worship or devotional rituals.
• Pulava: A rice dish cooked with meat or vegetables and spices.
• Purana: Ancient Hindu scriptures, detailing myths, legends, and genealogies.
• Purees: Deep-fried, puffed bread.
• Ratha: A chariot or wheeled cart, often used in processions.
• Rinaubandh: The bond of past debts or relationships, karmic ties.
• Rishi: A sage or seer.
• Roti: A flatbread, similar to chapati.
• Rudhra: Hymns or prayers dedicated to Lord Shiva (Rudra).
• Saburi: Patience or perseverance, a key virtue in Sai Baba’s teachings.
• Sad-Vastu: The True Being or Reality (Brahman).

Sadguru: A true spiritual teacher or guide, who leads disciples to self-realization.

Leelas: Miraculous or significant events in Sai Baba’s life that demonstrate his spiritual power and compassion.

Udi: Sacred ash from Sai Baba’s dhuni (sacred fire), believed to have healing and protective properties.

Dakshina: Offering or donation made to Sai Baba, often seen as a way to purify the mind and remove attachments.

Maya: Illusion or the power of the Lord that keeps souls away from enlightenment.

Karma: The principle of cause and effect, where actions determine future experiences.

Dharma: Righteousness, moral duty, or the principles that govern cosmic order.

Bhakti: Devotion or love for God, often expressed through worship, prayer, and service.

Masjid: A mosque, where Sai Baba in Shirdi resided and welcomed people of all faiths.

Chavadi: A village/ devotees meeting place, where Sai Baba would alternate sleeping on different nights.

Allah Malik: A phrase often uttered by Sai Baba, meaning “God is the real owner.”

Shruti and Smriti: Sacred Hindu texts; Shruti refers to the Vedas, which are Heard through divine inspiration, while Smriti refers to other religious texts, composed by human like the Upanishads and Puranas.

Samadhi: A state of deep meditation or spiritual absorption.

Satka: A short stick that Sai Baba often carried.

Fakir: A Muslim holy person who has renounced worldly possessions.

Aarati: A ritual of worship in which light, from wicks soaked in (ghee) oil or camphor is offered to a deity.

Adhyatma: Pertaining to the Self or Spirit; spiritual knowledge.

Agnihotri: A devotee who maintains a sacred fire throughout his life.

Artha: Wealth or material prosperity, one of the four aims of human life.

Asan: A seat or posture, often used for meditation.

Avatar: An incarnation or manifestation of a deity in human form.

Bhagavad Gita: The most sacred Hindu text, part of the Mahabharata, containing the teachings of Lord Krishna.

Bhajan: A devotional song or hymn.

Brahman: The ultimate state of reality or supreme being in Hinduism.

Chillum: An earthen pipe used for smoking.

Choupadari: A rectangular piece of cloth.

Dakshina: A donation or offering, typically money, given to a guru or holy person.

Darshan: Seeing a deity or holy person; a blessed vision.

Dhauti: A yogic cleansing technique.

Dhuni: A sacred fire kept burning continuously.

Dhotar: A traditional Indian garment worn by men, wrapped around the waist.

Ekadashi: The eleventh day of each lunar fortnight, considered a holy day.

Gopal-Kala: A ceremony performed on Gokul Ashtami, celebrating the birth of Lord Krishna, involving mixing milk products and sweets.

Guru: A spiritual teacher or guide.

Hakim: A traditional doctor or physician.

Handi: A large cooking pot.

Id: A Muslim festival.

Jnaneshwar: A 13th-century Marathi saint, poet, philosopher and yogi , who wrote ‘Dnyaneshwari – commentary on the Bhagavad Gita.

Kama: Desire or pleasure, one of the four aims of human life.

Kafni: A long, loose robe Dress.

Karma: The principle of cause and effect; actions and their consequences.

Kirtan: A devotional performance involving singing, music, and storytelling.

Kolamba: A mud pot.

Koran: The holy book of Islam.

Koupineshwar: A temple in Thana.

Kundi: An earthen pot.

Leela: A divine play or act; a miraculous event in the life of a saint or deity.

Mahasamadhi: The final conscious departure of a saint or enlightened being from their physical body.

Mamlatdar: A revenue officer.

Mantra: A sacred word, syllable, or phrase used in prayer or meditation.

Maruti: Hanuman.

Maya: Illusion; the power that veils the true nature of reality.

Moksha: Liberation or salvation, the ultimate aim of human life.

Namaj: Muslim prayers.

Nathi: Nose-ring.

Naivedya: Food offering to a deity.

Nishtha: Faith.

Om: (=AUM) A sacred sound considered the sound of creation.

Padukas: Sandals, often those of a guru or saint, revered as sacred objects.

Panchas: Village authorities.

Parayana: Regular reading of religious texts.

Para-Brahman: The Supreme Brahman.

Pheta: A traditional Indian turban. -Head dress.

Pice: A small unit of Indian currency.(1 INR=100)

Pindi: A symbol of Shiva.

Prana: Life force or vital energy.

Prasad: A blessed offering to God, often food, distributed after worship.

Puja: Worship.

Pulava: Mutton dish.

Rama-Navami: A Hindu festival celebrating the birth of Lord Rama.

Ramayan: A Hindu epic narrating the life and adventures of Lord Rama.

Rinaubandh: Former birth’s relationship.

Saburi: Patience and perseverance.

Sadgati: Salvation of soul

Samadhi: A state of deep meditation or spiritual absorption.

Samsar: The cycle of birth, death, and rebirth.

Sandal: A procession of the Muslims.

Sattwa: One of the three gunas (qualities), representing purity, goodness, and harmony.

Tajiya/Tabut: A decorative structure carried in procession during Muharram festival.

Tamas: One of the three gunas (qualities), representing darkness, inertia, and ignorance.

Tirthas: Sacred rivers/ water

Tumrel: Tin pot.

Upanishads: A collection of philosophical texts forming the basis of Hindu Vedanta philosophy.

Vaishya: A member of the merchant or trading caste.

Veena: A stringed music instrument.

Vritti: Thought.

Yavan: A term used to refer to foreigners like Muslims, Persians, Greeks ie. those of non-Indian origin

Yoga: A spiritual discipline aimed at uniting the individual self with the divine.

Yogindra: A great Yogi.

Yogasampanna: Full of yoga.

Zoli: A cloth bag or pouch used for collecting alms

Shirdi Sai Baba: An Indian Spiritual Guru-God, known for drawing people from diverse backgrounds together and resolving their prayers.

SadGuru-God: A spiritual divine teacher, who realised Self.

Shri Sai Sat Charitra (SSSC): A significant publication about Sai Baba’s life and teachings.

Life of Sai Baba (LoSB): Another book detailing the life of Sai Baba his devotees.

Baba’s Charters and Sayings (BCS): A Book containing Baba’s orders and sayings.

Guru Bhakti: Absolute faith in a Guru.

Jnana: Knowledge, cultivated through spiritual study.

Paramartha: The highest goal, attained by making Baba the sole object of thoughts and aims.

Dwarkamayi: The mosque where Sai Baba resided, a significant place for devotees.

Chavadi: Another significant location in Shirdi associated with Sai Baba, where He meet large devotees.

Lendi Baugh: A garden in Shirdi frequented by Sai Baba.

Maha Samadhi: The final resting place of Sai Baba in Shirdi.

Hemadpant: The author of “Shri Sai Satcharita.”

Sansthan: Refers to Shri Saibaba Sansthan Trust, Shirdi; the organization managing the temple and related activities.

Moksha Marga: The pathway to heaven or liberation.

Atma Vichara: Self-inquiry, a path to spiritual knowledge.

Nama Japa: Chanting God’s name, a spiritual practice.

Law of Karma: The principle that every action has a corresponding reaction.

Salvation: The ultimate deliverance from sin and its consequences, or release from the cycle of birth and death.

Vishnu Sahasranama: A list of 1,000 names of Vishnu, mentioned as having importance.

• Ahimsa: Non-violence; the principle of not causing harm to any living being.
• Ajnana: Ignorance; the covering of truth by illusion.
• Akasha: Ether or space;
• Allah: God (Arabic term), frequently used by Sai Baba.
• Allah Malik: “God is the Master”; a common saying by Sai Baba emphasizing divine sovereignty.
• Ananda: Bliss; one of the characteristics of Brahman (Sat-Chit-Ananda).
• Antahkarana: The fourfold inner instrument of the mind: Manas (mind), Buddhi (intellect), Ahankar (ego), Chitta (consciousness/memory).
• Antarjnan (Ritambhara Prajna):ability to know thoughts, intentions, and events at a distance or in the past/future.
• Apantaratma: The inner Self
• Arati: A Hindu ritual of worship, involving the waving of lamps before an idol or revered person.
• Athiti: Guest; interpreted by Baba as any hungry creature (human, animal, insect) that comes for food.
• Atma Nivedan (Prapatti):complete dedication of oneself to God or Guru.
• Atma Vichara: Self-inquiry; the process of asking “Who am I?” to realize the true Self.
• Atmajnana: Knowledge of the Self; self-realization.
• Avatar: Incarnation of a deity on Earth.
• Avarna: The covering aspect of Maya, which conceals the true nature of reality.
• Bhakta Paradhina: Bond-slave of devotees; refers to God or Guru being bound by the love of their devotees.
• Bhakti: Devotion, worship, love for God or Guru.
• Bhagavad Gita: A Hindu scripture, part of the Mahabharata, containing the teachings of Lord Krishna.
• Brahman: The Absolute Reality; the ultimate, supreme cosmic spirit in Hinduism.
• Brahmavit: One who knows Brahman.
• Buddha: Enlightened one; often associated with knowledge and wisdom.
• Chaitanya: Pure Consciousness, Spirit, God.
• Chamatkar: Miracle; a supernatural feat.
• Charters and Sayings: Baba’s promises and moral/spiritual instructions.
• Chaturyug: The four yugas (ages) in Hinduism, a cosmic time cycle.
• Chela: Disciple.
• Chilm: A type of pipe used for smoking.
• Dakshina: A gift or offering made to a Guru or deity, often with deeper spiritual significance beyond its material value.
• Dama: Control of the external senses.
• Dana: Charity, giving.
• Darshan: Auspicious sight of a holy person or idol.
• Dasavatar: The ten principal avatars of Vishnu.
• Deha Prarabdha: The portion of past karma that manifests as one’s present physical body and life circumstances.
• Devotee (Bhaktas): A person dedicated to religious worship or service.
• Dharma: Righteous conduct, moral duty, a cosmic law.
• Dhuni: The sacred fire kept burning perpetually in Sai Baba’s mosque (Dwarakamayi).
• Dhyana: Meditation, contemplative absorption.
• Dussanga: Bad company; association with evil-minded people.
• Dwaraka Mayi (Masudi Ayi): The old mosque in Shirdi where Sai Baba resided, considered by him as a divine mother.
• Ekadasi: The eleventh day of a lunar fortnight, often observed as a fast by Hindus.
• Fakir: A Muslim ascetic or mendicant; used by Baba to refer to himself and sometimes to God.
• Ganda: Danger or peril, often to one’s life.
• Ghatakasha/Kumbhakasha: “Pot-space”; used to illustrate how unlimited space appears limited within a pot, analogous to Brahman in an individual.
• Grihasta: A householder; a person living a married life.
• Gunas: The three qualities of nature (Sattva, Rajas, Tamas) in Hindu philosophy.
• Guru: Spiritual teacher or guide.
• Guru Poornima: A festival dedicated to honoring spiritual teachers and gurus.
• Halwa: A sweet confection.
• Hamsa: A swan, often symbolizing a paramahamsa (enlightened soul).
• Hari: A name for Vishnu, often used to refer to God.
• Indriya: Senses.
• Ishta Devata: Chosen deity for worship.
• Jnana (Gnana): Knowledge, especially spiritual knowledge leading to self-realization.
• Jnaneswari: A Marathi commentary on the Bhagavad Gita by Saint Dnyaneshwar.
• Japa: Repetition of a mantra or a divine name.
• Jeeva: Individual soul or living being.
• Karma: Action, deed; the sum of a person’s actions and their consequences in this and previous lives.
• Karmic bondage: Being tied to the cycle of rebirth due to accumulated karma.
• Keertan (Kirtan): Devotional singing, often with storytelling.
• Krodha: Anger; one of the Shadripus.
• Kupni: A simple, often torn, robe worn by ascetics or fakirs.
• Laya: Absorption, dissolution (e.g., of mind into unity).
• Lila: Divine play or sport; God’s cosmic activities.
• Lobha: Greed; one of the Shadripus.
• Mahasamadhi: The conscious departure of a saint from the physical body.
• Mahima: Glory, greatness, miraculous power.
• Mamata: Attachment, possessiveness.
• Manana: Reflection; deep consideration of what has been heard.
• Mantra: A sacred utterance, word, or sound used for meditation or spiritual practice.
• Mantropadesa: Instruction or initiation into a mantra.
• Masudi Ayi: See Dwaraka Mayi.
• Matsara: Jealousy or envy; one of the Shadripus.
• Maya: The cosmic illusion or creative power that manifests the material world and conceals ultimate reality.
• Moha: Delusion, infatuation; one of the Shadripus.
• Moksha: Liberation from the cycle of birth and death; ultimate spiritual freedom.
• Moortipooja: Idol worship; worship of God in a manifest form.
• Mumukshutwa (Mumukshuta): Strong desire for liberation (Moksha).
• Murlidhar: A name for Krishna, meaning “one who holds the flute.”
• Naivedya: Food offering made to a deity or Guru.
• Nama Japa: Repetition of a divine name.
• Nama-saptha: A week-long recitation of a divine name or scripture.
• Nirakara: Formless, attributeless (referring to Brahman or God).
• Nirguna: Without qualities or attributes (referring to Brahman).
• Nishta: Firm faith or devotion.
• Nitya: Eternal, permanent.
• Nitya-Anitya Vastuviveka: Discrimination between the eternal/real and the non-eternal/unreal.
• Omka: Om or Aum; the sacred sound, representing Brahman.
• Pada Theertham: Water that has washed the feet of a holy person or deity, considered sacred.
• Paduka: Footwear, especially sacred sandals of a Guru or deity, worshipped as a symbol.
• Pagadi: Turban.
• Pagal: Mad, crazy.
• Palki: Palanquin, a covered litter for carrying people.
• Panchadasi: A classic Advaita Vedanta text.
• Pandarinath: A name for Vitthal or Vithoba, a form of Krishna worshipped in Maharashtra.
• Papa: Sin.
• Paramarthika-Satya: Ultimate truth or reality (the highest stage of truth).
• Paramatama: The Supreme Soul, God.
• Parayana: Reading or recitation of sacred texts.
• Parvardigar: Protector, Sustainer (a term for God).
• Pice: Old Indian coin, small unit of currency.
• Pitambar: A yellow silk garment.
• Pithru Shraddha: Rituals performed for the deceased ancestors.
• Pooran Poli: A sweet flatbread, a popular Indian dish.
• Poorva Karma: Past actions or deeds.
• Pothi: Sacred book or scripture.
• Pranayama: Breathing exercises in yoga.
• Prarabdha: See Deha Prarabdha.
• Prarthana Samajist: A follower of Prarthana Samaj, a Hindu reform movement focusing on rational worship.
• Prasad: A devotional offering made to a deity or holy person, and then consumed by Devotees.
• Pratibhasika-Satya: Apparent or illusory truth (the lowest stage of truth, like a dream).
• Prema: (Divine) love.
• Puja: Worship ritual.
• Punya: Merit, good deeds.
• Purdah: A practice of veiling or secluding women.
• Purusha: Cosmic being, consciousness; Man, often paired with Prakriti (nature).
• Purusha Sukta: A hymn in the Rigveda describing the cosmic man.
• Rahu/Kethu: Shadow planets in Hindu astrology, associated with eclipses.
• Ram Rama: Repetition of the name of Lord Rama.
• Ramphal: A type of fruit (custard apple family), used in a parable.
• Rinanubanda: The karmic bond or pre-existing connection between individuals, often from previous births.
• Rojas: Fasting (Urdu/Persian term, often referring to Islamic fasts).
• Saburi: Patient endurance, courageous patience.
• Sadhakas: Spiritual aspirants.
• Sadhanas: Spiritual practices or disciplines.
• Sadgati: A good state or liberation after death, salvation.
• Saguna: With attributes; referring to God in a manifest form.
• Sahasranama: A litany of a thousand names of a deity (e.g., Vishnu Sahasranama).
• Sakara: Form, with form (referring to God’s manifest form).
• Sakshatkar: Direct realization or vision of God.
• Sakshi: Witness, observer.
• Saligram: A fossilized ammonite shell, worshipped as a symbol of Vishnu.
• Samadhana: Equanimity; firmness of mind amidst pain and pleasure.
• Samadhi: A state of meditative consciousness; also, the tomb or resting place of a saint.
• Samsara: The cycle of birth, death, and rebirth; worldly existence.
• Samata: Equanimity; viewing everything with an equal eye.
• Sankaranthi Halva: A sweet dish made during the Sankranti festival.
• Sanyasi: An ascetic, renunciate, or monk.
• Saptha: A week-long religious reading or performance.
• Saranagata: One who has surrendered.
• Sastras: Holy scriptures or treatises.
• Sat: Reality, truth, existence.
• Satsanga: Good company; association with virtuous and spiritual people.
• Satyagraha: Passive resistance or civil disobedience
• Self-realization: The spiritual goal of realizing one’s true divine nature.
• Shadripus: The six enemies or vices of the mind: Kama (lust), Krodha (anger), Lobha (greed), Moha (delusion), Mada (pride), Matsara (jealousy).
• Shakti: Divine power or energy.
• Shishya: Disciple.
• Siddhi: Supernatural power or accomplishment gained through spiritual practice.
• Sira: Semolina pudding, a sweet dish.
• Skanda: A chapter or section of a Puranic text.
• Sloka: A verse or stanza, typically in Sanskrit.
• Sraddha: Faith; sincere belief.
• Sridhan: Property or wealth given to a woman at the time of her marriage, which she controls.
• Stitha Prajna: A person of steady wisdom, as described in the Bhagavad Gita.
• Subhra Marga: White or pure path (to God).
• Suddha: Pure.
• Suddha Chaitanya: Pure Consciousness, synonymous with Brahman.
• Sukshma Sarira: Subtle body.
• Summon: A formal order to appear in court.
• Sowcar: A rich person, a banker or money lender.
• Tamasic: Related to Tamas, the quality of inertia, ignorance, and darkness.
• Tapas: Austerity, penance, spiritual discipline involving self-denial.
• Tatwamasi: “Thou art That”; a Mahavakya (great utterance) from the Upanishads, affirming the identity of the individual soul with Brahman.
• Teli: Oil seller (a caste name).
• Theertham: Sacred water.
• Titiksha: Endurance; patience in bearing pain without complaint.
• Tonga: A light, horse-drawn carriage.
• Trisul: A trident, a symbol of Shiva.
• Ubiquity: The quality of being everywhere at the same time.
• Udhi: Sacred ash from Baba’s Dhuni, considered to have healing and protective powers.
• Udhyapana: A concluding ceremony performed after completing a vow or religious observance.
• Upadesa: Spiritual instruction, initiation, or teaching from a Guru.
• Upadhi: Limiting adjuncts; external conditions or qualities that appear to define the Self.
• Upasana: Worship; devotional meditation.
• Upavasa: Fasting.
• Uparati: Renunciation of worldly actions; cessation of sensory indulgence.
• Urlai: Roasted or cooked grains/nuts.
• Vairagya: Dispassion; detachment from worldly desires and possessions.
• Varkari: A pilgrim to Pandharpur, devoted to Vitthal.
• Vasanas: Latent tendencies or impressions from past actions that influence present desires and experiences.
• Vastu Sastra: An ancient Indian science of architecture and construction.
• Vata: Wind or air; also used to mean delusion or unfounded talk.
• Vedanta: A school of Hindu philosophy based on the Upanishads, Bhagavad Gita, and Brahma Sutras.
• Vichara: Inquiry, contemplation.
• Vimana: A mythical flying palace or chariot; also a celestial vehicle.
• Viveka: Discrimination, discernment; the ability to distinguish between the real and the unreal.
• Vyasa: A revered sage, traditionally credited with compiling the Vedas and writing the Mahabharata.
• Vyavaharika-Satya: Conventional or empirical truth (the truth of the phenomenal world, seen as relative).
• Wada: A large house or mansion, often with courtyards.
• Yama: Ethical restraints; moral disciplines.
• Yoga: A spiritual discipline involving physical, mental, and spiritual practices.
• Yoga Vasishta: A Hindu spiritual text, part of the Ramayana.
• Yogi: A practitioner of Yoga.